Yitro יִתְרוֹ - Jethro
Torah Portion: Exodus: 18:1-20:22
Exodus 18:13–23
18:13 On the next day, Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from the morning to the evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, “What is this thing that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning to evening?”
15 Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of Elohim. 16 When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of Elohim, and his laws.” 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. 18 You will surely wear away, both you and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone. 19 Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and Elohim be with you. You represent the people before Elohim and bring the causes to Elohim. 20 You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover, you shall provide out of all the people able men who fear Elohim: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 22 Let them judge the people at all times. It shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves. So shall it be easier for you, and they shall share the load with you. 23 If you will do this thing, and Elohim commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”
Today’s Meditation:
Moses receives wise advice from his father-in-law. We call it “delegation”. However, this is a difficult concept for many of us. Why have someone else do something when we can do it better? Additionally, if we do it ourselves, we have control over it. I learned about delegation when I was the Executive Director of a non-profit for many years. I was getting really burned out doing everything on my own. Finally, I resolved that it would be better to delegate some responsibilities to others, even if they made mistakes, than to take on everything myself. And it worked. Yes, people made mistakes, but guess what? They also made excellent suggestions and improvements that I would have never noticed without their help. Delegation works.
Today’s Challenge:
Are you bearing too much responsibility? If you are at home or at work and need help with whatever you are doing, please ask for it today. Be brave and know that things will certainly not be done the same way you do them, but they will get done. And I promise there will be some improvements as well. Take a chance and delegate.
